Maple Grove Middle School Assembly Sparks Parent Concerns

Parents of students at Maple Grove Middle School in Mapleton, Utah, are expressing concerns regarding a recent anti-bullying assembly. The concerns center around the presenting group, Icon Dance Team, and its connection to past controversies.

Parent Group Raises Questions About Vetting Process

Cari Bartholomew, administrator of the Facebook page Nebo Parents United, stated that approximately 30 parents contacted her seeking information and expressing their worries. Bartholomew said it took less than five minutes to find information about the dance team’s past.

Social Media Concerns

Parents discovered photos posted on a personal social media account by a member of the Icon Dance Team. Bartholomew and other parents believe the Nebo School District has a responsibility to thoroughly vet presenters before they interact with students. “If we can find the information…in less than five minutes…then somebody who works for this school should be able to do a better job of vetting,” she said.

Similar Concerns Raised in Ohio

This is not the first time this group has faced scrutiny. In October, a similar assembly conducted by the group – then known as Echo Dance Team – at an elementary school in Ohio also prompted parental complaints. Parents expressed similar concerns regarding the group’s background.

Clarification on Assembly Content

Bartholomew emphasized that the assembly itself appeared appropriate for the students. “These kids are not seeing a naked man on stage,” she clarified. “I believe the show itself was clean.” However, parents remain concerned about what their children might discover online and the lack of prior notification about the assembly.

School District Responds

Seth Sorensen, spokesperson for the Nebo School District, released a statement acknowledging the concerns. He stated that the district actively worked with parents to address them. Sorensen confirmed the assembly delivered an “age-appropriate, anti-bullying message,” but acknowledged the district’s values do not align with content found on some members’ private social media accounts, which the district does not condone.

“The event, led by Icon Dance Team, delivered an energetic and age-appropriate message focused on anti-bullying and school unity,” Sorensen’s statement concluded.